Big Blow to Mamata Banerjee: Senior TMC Leader Madan Mitra Joins Rebel Faction

West Bengal politics witnessed a seismic shift as seasoned Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and former minister Madan Mitra officially defected to the party's rebel faction, now led by opposition leader Ritabrata Banerjee. This move is being viewed as a severe blow to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, given Mitra's long-standing influence and experience within the party hierarchy.

### The Sequence of Events
Speculation regarding Mitra's departure began Tuesday night when he was spotted at the residence of Swarnakamal Saha, a former Entally MLA whose son, Sandipan Saha, is a key figure in the Ritabrata Banerjee-led rebel group. Mitra spent several hours at the residence, fueling rumors of a split. On Wednesday, Mitra drove himself to the assembly, met with Ritabrata Banerjee, and subsequently announced his resignation from the TMC, officially joining the rebel camp.

### Context of the Defection
Mitra's decision follows intensified scrutiny by central investigative agencies. He has been under the scanner regarding the 'Municipal Recruitment Scam.' Key highlights include:
* **CBI Involvement:** A five-hour search operation was conducted at Mitra’s residence last October.
* **ED Raids:** In June 2026, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided seven locations linked to Mitra, including his homes in Bhowanipore and Kalighat, as well as properties in Dakshineswar, Santoshpur, Joka, and Beleghata.
* **Recent Pressure:** The ED recently summoned Mitra’s wife and two sons for questioning in connection with the same scam, which is believed to have been the immediate catalyst for his decision to distance himself from Mamata Banerjee's camp.

This shift has sent shockwaves through the TMC, exacerbating existing internal dissent and significantly complicating the party's political landscape in West Bengal.